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Overview

Small home businesses are an enterprising way to add money to your income. You may be a parent at home with young children or just looking for a way to add extra funds to your budget. A small home business can be conducted on weekends and after work hours. The most important aspect of a business venture is to pick something you enjoy doing so that it does not feel like extra work.

Dog Bakery

You can start your own dog bakery at home, in most states, without a special license or a certified kitchen. Check with the agriculture department in your state for regulations in your location. Start with some good dog treat recipes and bone-shaped cookie cutters. Add special ingredients to your recipes to make them unique. After choosing a company name and logo, make sure your packaging is attractive and professional-looking. Sell your treats at Saturday markets, farmers markets, festivals, dog shows, online or wholesale to dog kennels and pet shops.

Bookseller

If you love books, you probably have a slew of them stacked around the house. There may be some special ones you want to keep, but most are probably just collecting dust. Start by selling your own books and build up an inventory by scouting out garage sales, thrift stores, church sales and library sales, and by asking family and friends for their used books. When purchasing books, be sure they are in good condition. Hardback books should include the dust jacket. Build your business quickly by setting up a storefront on an existing online retail or auction site. Be sure to factor in site commissions and shipping and handling when you set your prices.

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Internet Article Writer

Brush up on your grammar, spelling and punctuation. You'll need a dictionary and grammar and writing reference books to help you improve your skills for this low-cost home business. To build up a portfolio of articles, start your own blog or contribute to user-submitted article websites. Then, use this experience to land work at paying markets where you can bid or apply for writing jobs. It helps to set aside time each week to look for new online writing jobs as you gain more experience.

Children’s Birthday Parties

If you have kids, you have probably already learned a few things about hosting birthday parties. There are parents out there who don’t have the time or inclination to put together a party. For this business, you need to love kids and be organized. Know how much your supplies cost and charge enough for your services that you can make a good profit. Consider invitations, food, cake, favors, decorations and entertainment. The entertainment does not need to be hired; you can save money by dressing in a costume that matches the party theme. Engage the kids in inexpensive craft projects, which you can prepare ahead of time and take to the client's home. However, you could also convert your garage or use a large room in your house as a party center. Make sure you have ample parking or request that guests carpool if you host parties in your home, and obtain additional liability insurance to cover any accidents. You may also need city or county permission to have customers in your home regularly.

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About the Author

Karen Ellis has been a full-time writer since 2006. She is an expert crafter, with more than 30 years of experience in knitting, chrocheting, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking and other arts. She is an expert gardener, with lifelong experience. Ellis has taken many classes in these subjects and taught classes, as well.